Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Ok...so, I was 99.9% wrong that day in Gainesville when I called my assistant coach a bitch. Yes, this sounds harsh but hear me out. Shimmy is a B. Not in the way you would call some girl that just stole your boyfriend or some guy that cut you off. She is the affectionate kind. A couple of my close friends only call each other the "B" word because that is how we show our affection for each other. So, I will now add Shimmy Gray-Miller to that list. Let me give you a little background.

It was 1st/2nd rounds of the NCAA my senior year. We were sent waaaay the heck down to Gainesville, FL to play Old Dominion (we won on a last second shot). Our curfew the night after that first game was 11pm. Of course, Shimmy, is knocking on every room to enforce it. I, like I always do, wanted to push my limits a little. Because I was injured and not playing I thought it would be ok if I went down to get a snack. Shimmy quickly put the kibosh on this which infuriated me. I quickly shut the door and said, "What a Bitch!". Not even 5 seconds later, I hear another bang on the door..."aw man, here we go", is what I thought. Yep, it was Shimmy and yep, she heard it. Now, Shimmy has beautiful light mocha skin but you would have thought for a second that she had just sat on the sun and sunburned her face. SHE WAS FURIOUS! She asked me what I just said....I replied, "nothing" and she shook her head. "yeah, that is what I thought." I consider myself lucky that she was in a position of power because if we were back in Flint, MI where she grew up, I would have been toast.

It took a couple of years for us to get over our beef with each other and man, am I happy we did. She is not only a rising star, head coach of the Saint Louis University 'Billikens' but also an amazing role model, friend, writer and individual. She most recently wrote about my story in her blog. Please check it out. If you thought my entry was funny and bold, you will love this. I have nothing on her. So, it is with great pride that I call Shimmy out of her name. I still won't do it in person though, she still can kick my ass. Love ya, Shimmy.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Ok, I am pretty sure that most of you have heard or have signed up for this fabulous event...but, if not...here is the skinny.

On August 29th, the Melissa Erickson Foundation is holding the 1st Annual, Ring Around the Needle. It is a pub crawl in Lower Queen Anne. So....here is the good news! With your $35 entry fee, you get 8 drink tickets for 8 different bars. You and your team will travel from bar to bar, socializing, drinking karma filled beers, eating appetizers and having fun. I mean, seriously, does this not sound like a great idea?! You can even stick around after the crawl and go to the Storm game for HALF PRICE!!! I mean, we are in a recession so might as well go since the tickets will be so cheap.

You will get a t-shirt, coupons for other vendors, some Vitamin Water and a whole lotta feel good pride. Please check out the official website for more info and registration details. This is going to be fun...don't miss it!!!!

ABOUT ME

Donate to ALS TDI

If you would like to donate directly to ALS Therapy Development Institute in honor of Melissa Erickson to help us continue to raise money and awareness for ALS, we thank you. Your tax deductible donations can be made here: Community.als.net/melissaericksonfun

On behalf of myself, my family and all of my friends who have supported me along the way, I send a huge THANKS for your thoughts, prayers and support.
Sincerely,
Melissa Erickson

MORE ABOUT ME

Let me give you all a little background on me. For the first 27 years of my life I was extremely active. I started playing basketball when I was 10 years old. It defined my life and gave me incredible opportunities for which I am most grateful. I earned a basketball scholarship to the University of Washington which enabled me to continue my education. From there I went on to coach and play professionally in Germany and Portugal. Basketball brought me to many countries and gave me immeasurable amounts of pleasure, pride and independence. When I was 25 and in my last season in Portugal, I started to feel very inadequate on the court. I was out of balance, slow and unable to jump as high as normal. I felt that I was just getting old and not training as I used to. I moved back to Seattle and became part of the working world. I continued to play basketball recreationally and go to the gym to work out. My inadequacies continued to progress and soon it became very difficult to play or run on my own.

After a workout at my local gym, my personal trainer informed me that my problems with balance and strength were not normal of a typical 27 year old. So in August of 2006, I started my search for reason. A day before my 28th birthday, doctors told me that there were definite signs of a neuromuscular disease. I was devastated to know that the active life I had lived was in for a drastic change. I currently am unable to walk. I use a power chair and it has increased my independence and mobility so much. Life is easier despite the restrictions of living on wheels.

In 2007, I attended numerous doctors’ appointments in Seattle and Boston, and undergone several tests; doctors continue to lean on the initial diagnosis of ALS. My life has taken many different turns and I have journeyed down a path I never thought existed. However, despite all of the disappointment and setbacks I have learned to view life in a new way. I can truly say that I enjoy the simple things in life. Each day is cherished in a new and inviting way. My family and friends are the very blood that runs through my veins.

On behalf of myself, my family and all of my friends who have supported me along the way, I send a huge THANKS for your thoughts, prayers and support.

Sincerely,

Melissa Erickson

All questions, concerns and donations can be directed to Sarah Duncan, co-founder of the Melissa Erickson Foundation. Sarah can be reached at (425) 339-8556 or sdunc@myuw.net